Author: F. T. Hall-Bowden

Teacher by trade, mother by occupation, writer when fortune permits. This particular tale has grown for over fifteen years, taking many forms and turns. Now, at twenty-eight, having left the murk of the city behind to raise my children in the country, the fresh air and natural environment have animated my motivation to see the project through.

Coils of wind broke from the centre of Alendae Palace’s Great Hall, and a pale purple haze swelled in its centre. There Kengar appeared.__‘The Lord of Alendae summoned me with regards my niece,’ he stated to one of the guards.__The guard stammered some response and exited, leaving his colleagues to their stunned silence. Kesia was deeply relieved by the sight of her uncle, and temporarily dismissed the manner of his arrival.

Régan was escorted on foot from the docks through a maze of alleys, tunnels, and corridors. Carriages and horses were in short supply, for the Custodin was dispatching his resources north to evacuate the people and granary stores ahead of the blaze. The vicious wind had carried the smoke even to the city, and the warriors amassing in Offenure Plás wore coverings over their mouths.

Alendae was an interesting and picturesque city hugging the river Noira, with countless activities to offer four inquisitive visitors. Kesia withdrew into her work, delivering her commissions and procuring new materials; Mellena frequented plays and the markets; and Toran gave tours of the libraries and temples to Orla.

It was four in the morning. Sevína roused the chamber fire to allay the chill of death. __‘I fear this drought will not die easily.’ High Priest Arnaud cupped Sevína’s hand as she offered it. ‘Do not mourn me, my dear. I rejoice at crossing the Bridge, and long for my sojourn in the Otherworld.’ He averted his gaze from her anguish. ‘As I dreamt tonight, Miggest came to me. I placed my forehead to the earth before Him and He lowered His great head, touched His muzzle to my cheek, and spoke: Agat sheirbheáil liom go maith.’ You have served me well.

January began to wane, and the heat of summer continued unrelenting. There had been no fires since those of Archoak forest three months previous, yet the threat crouched in the air, prowling each time the wind flew from the north.

Kesia’s rooms in Alendae were bright with the midday sun, and quickly filled with guests and their belongings.__‘Glazed windows!’ Orla awed, rushing to the northern walls and pressing her fingertips to the warm glass. ‘Do they not melt in the sun?’